I considered posting this thing in the journal area, but I prefer that the discussion be less about me and more about the general questions I'm raising.. i.e. setting proper goals, nature vs. nurture.. etc..

I've been doing the weight lifting thing for a little over 2 years now. I plateaued in most areas within the first 6-12 months, and admittedly I lost a bit of interest. But lately it seems I'm starting to make gains again so I'm back at it as hard as before.

I've got some very attainable short-term goals set out, but what would be realistic long-term goals?

Here's my current max performance as a percent of my body weight:
Bench Press - 150%, 4-6 reps
Squat - 185%, 6-8 reps
Dead Lift - 145%, 6-8 reps

I would love to set 3-year goals of, say, BP-200% S-300% DL-300%. But can I reasonably expect to make these? I currently hit the weights twice per week, and can't see myself ever going more than three times. Judging by my rate of increase over the last year, it seems like a bit of a pipe dream and that I should set more modest targets. I really don't know though. Perhaps if you just push yourself extra hard? How do you know when your body has had enough and isn't going to get much stronger?

Finally, how much of this is genetic and how much is nurtured?

So... opinions? Similar experiences?